** Italy concluded Saturday’s World Aquatics Championships session in Singapore without medals but secured three fourth-place finishes. Simona Quadarella delivered a standout performance in the 800m freestyle, clocking 8:12.81 to shatter the European record held since 2008 (8:14.10 by Rebecca Adlington). She trailed only the podium trio of Katie Ledecky (USA, 8:05.62), Lani Pallister (AUS, 8:05.98, Oceania record), and Summer McIntosh (CAN, 8:07.29). Lorenzo Galessi (50m freestyle) and the mixed 4x100m medley relay team also finished fourth, while Thomas Ceccon placed eighth in the 100m butterfly.
As the championships conclude Sunday, Italy pins hopes on Benedetta Pilato and Anita Bottazzo, who advanced to the 50m breaststroke final with the third and seventh-fastest semifinal times. Sprinter Sara Curtis, despite setting an Italian record (24.41) in the 50m freestyle heats, exited in the semifinals.
Quadarella, reflecting on her race, stated: “Competing with Ledecky—a legend—is a pride. Such rivals push you beyond limits. I’m thrilled with my progress.” Galessi, narrowly missing bronze by 0.06 seconds, remarked, “Fourth always stings, but I’m satisfied—I’m closing in on the world’s best.”
The 4x100m mixed medley quartet (Manuel Frigo, Carlos D’Ambrosio, Curtis, Emma Virginia Menicucci) set an Italian record (3:21.48), finishing 0.13 seconds behind bronze medalists France. Frigo noted, “We missed the podium by a tenth—sport includes fourth places.” D’Ambrosio added, “This relay has a bright future,” while Menicucci rued, “I couldn’t see France—it’s a huge near-miss.”
Ceccon, eighth in the 100m butterfly, cited waves during the race: “Having someone swim 49.5 beside you isn’t ideal. I’m disappointed to finish last.” Silvia Di Pietro placed seventh in the 50m butterfly.
Pilato, battling suboptimal fitness, vowed resilience ahead of the breaststroke final: “I’m happy to be here. I gave heart and focus—it’s all I have left.”